It notes that while PBS "airs some of the best journalistic documentaries on TV," public television "has placed a much smaller emphasis on local news." An FCC analysis of Tribune Media Services Data shows that 94 percent of noncom stations air less than 30 minutes of local news daily. It also said there are "significant financial obstacles standing in the way of more local public TV news and information programming." More detail on local news coverage from the Associated Press.

Early reaction is mixed. “We are still reviewing the voluminous document, but at first glance it appears to be a major disappointment," said one statement, from the Free Press media advocacy group. "The report discusses many important ideas, but where the FCC actually has the power to help local communities, the agency abdicates its responsibility in the areas. Worse yet, instead of striking a bold path forward, the FCC chairman appears to be backing away from the positive, though baby steps made by his Republican predecessors on the issues of competition, localism and diversity."

"The governor zeroed out public broadcasting because he's calling it a special interest," LaBonia told the Times. "When you single out one station and give to it but nobody else, that's the definition of a special interest."